Trulicity Guide: Weekly Pen, Dose Steps and Tips
Trulicity (dulaglutide) for type 2 diabetes: how the single-dose pen works, the 0.75 to 4.5 mg steps, missed doses, storage and cost options.
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Key takeaways
Trulicity is a once-weekly dulaglutide pen for type 2 diabetes. It starts at 0.75 mg and can rise to 1.5, 3 and 4.5 mg, each after at least 4 weeks. The single-dose pen has a hidden, pre-attached needle, which many first-time injectors find easy.
Trulicity at a glance
| Generic name | dulaglutide |
|---|---|
| Made by | Eli Lilly |
| Type | GLP-1 receptor agonist |
| Form | Single-dose pen |
| How often | Once weekly |
| United States | FDA-approved. |
| Canada | Approved in Canada. |
Why people like the pen
There is nothing to dial or attach. You uncap the pen, place it flat on the skin, unlock and press. It is a good fit if needle anxiety is a concern.
Dose steps
- Start: 0.75 mg weekly.
- If needed: 1.5 mg, then 3 mg, then 4.5 mg, each after at least 4 weeks.
- Maximum: 4.5 mg weekly.
Living with Trulicity
- Eat smaller meals and stop as soon as you feel full — the medicine makes fullness arrive earlier.
- Go easy on fatty, fried and very sweet foods in the days after a dose increase.
- Sip water through the day; vomiting or diarrhea can dehydrate you and strain the kidneys.
- Tell your prescriber if nausea lasts — staying on a lower dose longer is a common fix.
Trulicity is also approved to lower cardiovascular risk in adults with type 2 diabetes, and for children 10 and older with type 2 diabetes.
Missed doses
Take a missed dose if there are at least 3 days (72 hours) until the next scheduled one. Otherwise skip it and keep your schedule.
Storage and cost
Refrigerate pens; each can be kept at room temperature for up to 14 days. Lilly has offered Trulicity through LillyDirect at a discount off list price — compare with your insurance copay.
Frequently asked questions
Can I reuse a Trulicity pen?
No. Each pen delivers one dose and is then discarded in a sharps container.
Can I take Trulicity with insulin?
Yes, if your prescriber decides so, but insulin doses may need lowering to avoid low blood sugar.
Is Trulicity used for weight loss?
It is approved for type 2 diabetes. Some weight loss can occur, but it is not a weight-management medicine.
Keep reading
Sources
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General information based on the official label. It does not replace advice from your prescriber or pharmacist.